Egypt Airshow: Turkey’s Hurjet to make international debut

The Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) twin-seat supersonic Hurjet prototype will be put through its paces during the daily flying displays. Having made its first flight on April 25, 2023, this will be the first time the new jet trainer has flown at an international event, after failing to appear at Farnborough International Airshow in July.

No reason was given for its no-show, but it transpires that the jet, serialed 24-001, was being prepared for its flight to Spain for an evaluation by the Spanish Air Force, which is considering it as a replacement for its ageing F-5s in the lead-in fighter training role. 

Just days before its departure to Spain, TAI, GE Aerospace and Turkish Engine Industries (TEI) signed an MoU to integrate the F404 powerplant into the newer Hurjet variants, as well as performing local assembly, maintenance, repair and overhaul in Turkey. 

Hurjet is seen by the Turkish Air Force as an ideal replacement for its large fleet of T-38AMs in the training role, as well as supplementing some of the F-16’s role.  The Turkish Stars aerobatic team will also replace their Northrop F-5s.

Seral production of the Hurjet is expected to commence in 2025.